Injury Concerns Loom Large for Key Players Ahead of Upcoming Season

Back injuries continue to be a significant concern for the Minnesota Twins organization, particularly as they prepare for the 2025 season. The retirement of Alex Kirilloff at the age of 26 due to a serious back injury serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by athletes in Major League Baseball. Kirilloff’s situation highlights the necessity of monitoring the back health of other key players on the team.

In 2016, a report in Sports Illustrated by Ian McMahan noted a troubling trend in baseball: back injuries were becoming increasingly prevalent, accounting for 12% of all injuries in MLB at that time. Dr. Joshua Dines, an assistant team doctor for the New York Mets, indicated in the article that the physical demands of baseball, including the stress placed on the spine during pitching and batting, significantly contribute to these injuries. He stated, “Swinging a bat is not a normal activity,” underscoring the repetitive nature of this movement during a season filled with games and practice.

Kirilloff’s battle with injuries included various surgeries and rehabilitation efforts. However, it was the back issues that ultimately led to his retirement, reinforcing the expression about the “straw that broke the camel’s back.” Back injuries are often complex, presenting not only pain in localized areas but also creating broader discomfort that complicates diagnosis and treatment. The implications of chronic back pain can greatly affect the quality of life, further emphasizing the seriousness of these injuries.

Concerns surrounding back injuries are not limited to Kirilloff. José Miranda and Brooks Lee, two other critical players for the Twins, have faced their own back-related challenges. Miranda’s 2024 season began with promise, showcasing a .950 OPS in his final 50 games before he was sidelined by a lower back strain. Although initially deemed a minor issue, the injury led to a decline in performance upon his return, forcing the Twins to place him on the injured list yet again at the end of the season.

For the Twins, Miranda’s recovery is essential, especially as he is anticipated to play a pivotal role in the lineup going forward. He is expected to return to form after an offseason focused on rest and rehabilitation. In contrast, Lee’s history of back issues extends back to high school, where he missed significant playing time due to injury. His 2024 season was similarly troubled by back pain, leading to a diagnosis of a herniated disc.

Despite these setbacks, Lee experienced a temporary revival during his promotion to the big leagues, yet his performance waned, culminating in a .182 batting average over the final stretch of the season. Lee also faced a shoulder injury, which eventually shut him down. The overall health of both players remains a considerable unknown as the Twins look toward their 2025 season.